HOW TO APPLY MAKE-UP THE RIGHT WAY

Make-up is an art, its power is always overwhelming & transformative! As women, we vouch for our skincare & beauty routines which we have uniquely created over time, that make us what we are and enhance our features, from within! There is, of course, no right & wrong in make-up, which is the best thing about it. You are free to make your own rules & styles, make mistakes and learn- so, do not be afraid to experiment.

Having said that, the make-up application always comes with skill, that can make a difference & have an impact on your overall look. Applying the right product at the right time & in the right manner is the only thing that will give you a flawless, second-skin-like look.

Let’s start with the first & the most important rule – LESS IS ALWAYS MORE! Always remember, make-up is not a mask that covers up your beauty; it’s a weapon that helps you express who you are from the inside!

Here are some make-up hacks which should definitely make you look naturally radiant all day :

1. Cleansing, Toning & Moisturising: Always begin your skincare routine for make-up by prepping your skin for what follows. Cleansing your face is a must. A double cleanse with an oil cleanser will be an add-on! Moreover, toning your skin will only give you a boost of hydration for that fresh, dewy & firm base. Choosing the right kind of moisturizer is most crucial here, basis your skin type. Choose a gel moisturizer if you have oily skin and a rich cream-based moisturizer if you have dry skin. Never, never, never forget your Sunscreen (30 to 50 SPF with a minimum + + +) for day looks!
2. Primer: Keep all your make-up brushes sanitized & ready here on, as the game has now begun! We complete the last step of prepping by sealing in all your pores with a primer by dabbing it especially on your T-zone. Choose a primer according to your skin type & concerns. A dewy base one for dry skin and a silicone-based one for oily skin with open pores.
3. Concealer & Colour Correcting: You may use a cream or stick-based concealer & corrector on any blemishes or acne/PIH marks. Ensure you let the concealer or corrector dry before you dab the product into your skin with a concealer brush.
4. Foundation & Setting Powder: Finding a perfect shade should always be your priority because that can make all the difference. Test foundation colors against your jawline. Without blending, if you see the foundation disappear, it means it’s your perfect match! You may use a beauty blender for high coverage and a stippling or kabuki brush for an airbrushed look. Finish the step with a translucent setting powder or a compact.
5. Highlighting, Contouring & Blush: Use a concealer which is two shades lighter to your skin tone as a highlighter. Map out areas you would like to highlight – like the bridge of your nose, inner corners of your eyes, the center of your forehead & chin, brow bone, top of your cheekbones, etc. Similarly, use a contour stick or powder which is two shades darker than your skin tone and define the shadows on your face. Start at your forehead, pull the bronzer along your cheeks, then sweep it across the jawline, reaching all the way down to your chin – like the shape of a number “3” on both sides of the face. You can now proceed by adding a pop of color (pink or coral) to your cheeks, keeping in mind your skin tone. You can also add some glow highlighter above your cheeks, on your chin, and above your brow bone.
6. Eyeliner & Eyeshadow: Eyeshadow can add interest to your make-up look. Whichever look you use, grab two complimentary eyeshadows: one lighter shade, and one darker shade. Apply the darker color at the outer corner of your eye, just above your lash line. Sweep the darker color across your eyelid crease, just under the brow bone, and then blend both the shades together with a fresh blending brush. Finish the eye look with eyeliner on the upper lash line and a kohl pencil on the lower lash line. Nothing can beat a winged eye look!
7. Mascara: If you’re going to use only one make-up product, mascara should be at the top of your list. A few swipes of mascara can make your eyes look brighter in a single step. You may use an eyelash curler for longer-looking curled-up lashes.
8. Lip Gloss & Setting Spray: Always prep your lips with a lip scrub and follow it up with a balm. Dab off extra moisture from your lips & apply your favorite lipstick and gloss, which matches your outfit, blends in with your eyeshadow shade, and complements your skin tone. You may stick to matte lipsticks if you have fuller lips. However, for thin lips always finish up with a gloss around the center of your lips. If you want make-up that stays on all day long, without greasing, creasing or shine, it’s important to use a setting spray as a final touch to your make-up routine. Spray by keeping the bottle 8 inches away from your face, ensure your entire face is covered. The setting spray keeps your make-up in place, helping you reduce reapplication needs and keeping your make-up looking flawless for hours at a time.

Treat your make-up like jewelry for the face. Play with colors, shapes, structure – it can transform you.

However, I always believe that beauty is being comfortable in your own skin!